The program provides grants to startups and small businesses to undertake high-quality scientific research and development, with the aim of transforming scientific discovery into societal and economic benefit. The grants are provided in phases, starting with a proof-of-concept/feasibility grant followed by a longer development grant. The program encourages proposals that address market and societal needs, and identifies both the end users and the pathway to commercialization. The NSF SBIR/STTR program is part of the National Science Foundation (NSF), an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education in science and engineering.